1976–1982 (R10) TownAce van/truck | 2-door truck | 4-door van/wagon }} |
Gasoline: | 1166 cc
3K-J I4 | 1290 cc
4K-J I4 | 1587 cc
12R-J I4 | 1588 cc
2T-J I4 | 1588 cc
12T I4 | 1770 cc
13T-U I4 }} | 4-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 3-speed automatic }} | (truck) | (van/wagon) }} | (truck) | (van/wagon) }} | (truck) | (van/wagon) }} | (truck) | (van/wagon) }} | (truck) | (van/wagon) }} }} The first TownAce (R10 series) made its sales debut in October 1976 as a widened and lengthened version of the
LiteAce (M10), still using the same doors and some other panels. In the Toyota model hierarchy, TownAce occupied the position in between the LiteAce and
HiAce. At first three- or six-seater vans were offered, the more popular TR10 receiving the 1588 cc
2T-J engine (), although the smallest KR10 has the 1166 cc
3K-J (). Eight-seater wagons have the desmogged
12T engine rather than the
2T-J (TR11G chassis code rather than TR10V), and therefore lower power at . The second and third rows of seating could be laid fully flat, and the third-row seats could be folded to expand the luggage compartment. The
4K-J motor with replaced the
3K-J in February 1978. That October, the wagon engine was uprated to the 1770 cc
13T-U (TR15), and high-roof models with heights of were introduced. Further changes in October 1978 included suspension revisions, the release of the flagship "Custom Extra" grade with manual sunroof. October 1979 changes adjusted the trim surrounding the headlamps, introduced a revised
dashboard, and resulted in the "Custom Extra" being renamed "Super Extra". Truck body styles were added to the lineup in October 1978 (having entered production the previous month), including low-deck, high-deck, and "just low" models—these further lowered the bed floor by employing
radial tires which had smaller diameters despite the identical 13-inch wheel size. Each of the three models offered standard- and long-
wheelbase versions, the latter with as much space as the larger HiAce truck (albeit with a lower payload) and carrying the RR20/RR21 chassis codes—confusing, since the R20-series was generally reserved for the
second generation TownAce. At first, trucks received the 1587 cc
12R-J engine (), until October 1979 when emission standards compliance necessitated the fitment of the 1770 cc
13T-U motor shared with the wagon. At the same time, the "just low" model adopted 10-inch double tires for the rear wheels, lowering the bed floor to the same level as that of light trucks. December 1980 introduced a small facelift with rectangular headlamps, plastic bumpers, and other adjusted trimmings—along with further suspension refinements, an optional cool box, and a new electrically-retractible
moonroof (the manual version continued in some grades). In conjunction with this facelift, the scope of the wagon was expanded, reflecting the rising demand for this
one-box vehicle type in the market. For example, by adding three-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission models, sliding second-row seats that could be made to face either forward or backward, and the release of Grand Extra model with its lavish cabin. Furthering this, a
campervan package titled "Canyon" came to the market in February 1982, featuring a moonroof,
loft beds, powered curtains, and bronze-tinted glass. When this generation was replaced in November 1982, the TownAce van/wagon and truck range parted—the former based on the new
R20/R30 series and the truck becoming a rebadged model of the
LiteAce M20. ;Daihatsu Delta Wide The TownAce was also sold as the
Daihatsu Delta Wide (B10 series) between October 1976 and October 1982.
1982–1991 (R20, R30) TownAce van, MasterAce Surf van |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive }} |
Gasoline: | 1.3 L
4K-J I4 | 1.6 L
1Y-J I4 | 1.8 L
2Y-U/2Y-C I4 | 2.0 L
3Y-C/3Y-U/3Y-EU I4 | 2.2 L
4Y-E I4 |
Diesel: | 1.8 L
1C I4 | 2.0 L
2C I4 | 2.0 L
2C-T turbo I4 }} | 5-speed manual | 3-speed automatic | 4-speed
A44DL automatic }} }} The second generation TownAce van/wagon arrived in November 1982. As a response to the growing popularity of
one-box vehicles, Toyota released the higher-end MasterAce Surf at the same time sold only at
Toyota Store locations—although it was mechanically identical to the lesser TownAce with minimal cosmetic changes. The TownAce used a
front mid-engine layout where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front
axle; optional four-wheel drive was introduced in December 1985. Much of the vehicle's mechanicals were based on the
Toyota Hilux, including suspension components. The
leaf spring rear suspension of the R10 was replaced with a four-link coil rigid suspension with a
Panhard rod for the first time among Japanese cab-over-engine type van/wagons. The front suspension was of a
double wishbone and
torsion bar spring design. Stylistically, the R20/R30 featured a sharply sloped front, in contrast to the upright flat found in the larger
Toyota HiAce. Three roof heights were available (low, medium, high) and for the latter two, a dual moonroof was optional (the front tilted and rear opened fully). As with the TownAce wagon, the MasterAce Surf came equipped with either the medium- or high-roofed body with dual moonroof options for both. Exterior design differences of the MasterAce Surf when compared to the TownAce included larger US-style bumpers and rectangular quad headlamps. In the Japanese market, a wide range of accessories were available, including a refrigerator with ice maker, a seven-speaker audio system, and a color television. The Catalina package for MasterAce Surf included a removable
loft bed that became bunk beds with the second- and third-row seats laid flat. Toyota facelifted the TownAce and MasterAce Surf in August 1985, restyling the headlamps and garnish between them. In addition, the tail-lamps were reshaped and the strip above the license plate was extended to the edges of the back door. A "Skylite" roof model arrived with this update, further increasing model variations. A second, more extensive facelift and full interior update arrived in August 1988 for Japan only which was shared with the MasterAce (although both continued to uphold slight cosmetic differences). This time the option of
Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) was made available. Initially, the only available engine was the 1812 cc
2Y-U engine outputting in a rear-wheel drive configuration. Transmission choices comprised a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic with overdrive (the first for this type of vehicle). the 1626 cc
1Y-J inline-four giving , Some markets gained the option of the 1974 cc
2C diesel engine with in May 1983. A new
turbocharged 2C-T diesel model displacing 1974 cc and proving or was introduced in August 1984, followed by part-time four-wheel drive models with a
sub transmission in November 1985 (with the 1998 cc
3Y-EU gasoline or 82 PS
2C-T turbo diesel engine). Toyota released the
Estima in May 1990—a larger vehicle than the TownAce and MasterAce Surf. While the R20/R30 models were typically discontinued in export markets in 1990 with the release of this new model (usually badged
Previa overseas), for Japan, production continued until January 1992. The reason being that unlike the R20/R30, the Estima did not fall under the "number five"
tax bracket regarding
Japanese vehicle size tax legislation. To comply, dimensions had to remain under for width and in length, plus 2000 cc for engine displacement. It was not until January 1992 that Toyota released smaller, complying versions of the Estima in Japan under the names Estima Emina and Estima Lucida. These cars replaced the high-end MasterAce Surf, with a
rebodied version of the R20/R30 TownAce continuing on until 1996. ;Daihatsu Delta Wide As with the previous generation, the TownAce was sold by Daihatsu as the B20 series
Daihatsu Delta Wide van/wagon between November 1982 and January 1992. At launch, the van models were retailed in 1300 and 1600 forms—in-line with their engine displacements. The 1300 model had three-seater bench with cargo payload. The 1600 increased this to , unless a second row of three seats was fitted which reduced this to . Passenger wagon models offered four levels of specification, the entry-level SD, followed by the SG, SE, and flagship SQ. Both gasoline and diesel engines could be specified, with automatic transmission available with the gasoline version. Updates including facelifts were as per the TownAce. ;Export Toyota distributed the R20/R30 model worldwide under several names with either TownAce or MasterAce frontal styling depending on market. North American markets called it the "Toyota Van" (VanWagon in early press materials), while Australia referred to the vehicle as the
Toyota Tarago (named after
Tarago, New South Wales). In parts of Europe it was known as the "Toyota Space Cruiser", but in Germany, Sweden, Norway, China and some countries of Latin America it was sold as the "Toyota Model F". Export models were partially replaced with the
Toyota Previa in 1990. North American market sales started in 1983 for the 1984
model year as the "Toyota Van" with styling shared with the MasterAce Surf. The 2.0-liter
3Y-U EFI () came at launch, but was replaced with the 2.2-liter
4Y-E engine with for the 1986 model year facelift. Rear-wheel drive versions were sold in the United States between 1983 and 1989, while four-wheel drive models were sold between 1987 and 1989. The four-wheel drive models came with skid plates, with manual transmission models including a
transfer case with low and high ranges (automatic models lacked a low range). All trim levels starting in 1986 had a
cornering lamp system. Toyota's advertising campaign referred to the passenger vans (DLX and LE trim levels) as the "Wonderwagon" while the CRG trim level was referred to as the "Cargo Van". Deluxe and LE (Limited Edition) versions were offered as well as an ice maker/refrigerator between the front seats. The Van also offered dual air conditioning, captains chairs (LE for the 1986 to 1989 model years), twin
sunroofs, digital clock, satellite radio controls (LE for the 1987 to 1989 model years), fog lights (LE for the 1986 to 1989 model years with power window package), tachometer, power locks, power windows, and a tinted glass privacy package. LE models had color matched bumpers and front grille along with power mirrors, chrome headlight bezels, and chrome Toyota emblems. Base models came with black bumpers and grill with white Toyota emblems. Base models have the reverse lights incorporated into the tail light assembly whereas the LE models had them incorporated into the rear hatch. In 1986, a special
EXPO86 version was available in Canada only. The 1986 model year Espirit model was finished in a unique light blue color with a white wave pattern on the lower half on the side profile. A unique bronze colored plaque was affixed to the
B-pillar behind the driver and passenger doors that said "Spirit of 86" inside a globe. For the Australian market, the Tarago eight-seater launched in February 1983. Like European models, Tarago frontal styling mirrored the TownAce rather than MasterAce Surf—therefore single-unit headlamps and slimmer bumpers were on offer. At launch, three levels of trim were on offer—base DX, GL and luxury GLS—all fitted with the 1.8-liter
2Y-C gasoline engine rated at and (designated YR20). File:Golden Dragon XML6402 02 China 2017-03-30.jpg|Golden Dragon Haise XML6402 (front) File:Golden Dragon XML6402 03 China 2017-03-30.jpg|Golden Dragon Haise XML6402 (rear)
1992–1996 (R20, R30 rebodied) LiteAce van, TownAce van |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive }} |
Gasoline: | 2.0 L
3Y-EU I4 | 2.2 L
4Y-E I4 |
Diesel: | 2.0 L
2C I4 | 2.0 L
2C-T turbo I4 | 2.2 L
3C-T turbo I4 }} | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic }} }} The rebodied R20/R30 was introduced in January 1992 and produced until September 1996. For this series, the mechanicals were largely carried over (hence the retention of the R20/R30 chassis codes), but the styling fully refreshed. At this time, the LiteAce van became a derivative of the TownAce line, sharing the latter's body work. Thus, from this time, the entire LiteAce and TownAce range (van and truck) were unified. The rebodied R20/R30 had a much more streamlined design. The LiteAce and TownAce commercial vans were very similar, differing by the TownAce receiving extra headlamps adjacent inside to the main units and a small air
intake slit. The LiteAce did not have this intake, but instead had additional grilles where the extra lamps in the TownAce were. Passenger wagons of both models had different styling again. Here, the LiteAce front end featured two separate headlamp units that tapered inwards towards the Toyota logo. TownAce wagons had headlamps that sat flush with a translucent garnish that gave the appearance of a large, single headlamp. Rear styling also differed between the commercial vans and passenger wagons, although both models used the same rear-end regardless if badged LiteAce or TownAce. Toyota Australia released the TownAce commercial van in April 1992, with the eight-seater passenger wagon model arriving in October 1993 as the Toyota Spacia. The powertrain fitted comprised the 2.2-liter
4Y-E with and paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
1996–2007 (R40, R50) LiteAce van, TownAce van |Japan: |
Ikeda, Osaka (
Daihatsu) |
Kariya, Aichi (
Toyota Auto Body) |
Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant; 1996–2001) }} |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive }} |
gasoline: | 1486 cc
5K I4 | 1781 cc
7K I4 | 1781 cc
7K-E I4 | 1998 cc
3S-FE I4 |
diesel: | 1974 cc
2C I4 | 2184 cc
3C-E I4 | 2184 cc
3C-T turbo I4 }} | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic }} | (low roof) | (high roof) }} }} Fully redesigned for the first time since 1982, the R40 and R50 LiteAce and TownAce appeared in October 1996. Offered in van/wagon configurations only, the
van sold as the LiteAce and TownAce, with
wagons now designated LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah and fitted with a different, more luxurious interior. As with previous generation, LiteAce and TownAce were differentiated by their front
grille designs. Vans were badged DX (for cargo purposes) and GL (dual purpose). Noah models received standard
anti-lock brakes and optional twin
moonroofs (the Skylite roof was discontinued). To meet new occupant safety regulations, the
cab-over,
mid-mounted engine was moved in front of the passenger compartment (semi-cab-over), giving the car an all-new look, although a move inline with the vehicle's competitors. Despite the trend among its Japanese competitors of switching to the
front-wheel drive layout, the R40/R50 maintained its rear-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive was optional, replacing the part-time configuration from the previous series. Body dimensions remained compliant within the limits of the "number five" category, and standard- and high-roof heights were on offer. Noah passenger models had three-row seating with either six, seven, or eight occupant positions—made up by having either three rows of two
bucket seats, two rows of buckets and third-row
bench seat, or buckets up front and benches for the two back rows. A flat floor allowed for walk-through access between the rows. Vans were supplied with several gasoline engines, including the 1486 cc
5K (discontinued in July 2002) and two 1781 cc units, the
7K and
7K-E. Power outputs are for the smaller, 5K engine and for the larger 7Ks. Diesel options were the 1974 cc
2C until June 1999 and after this, the 2184 cc
3C-E. Powertrain options for the Noah twins comprised either the gasoline 1998 cc
3S-FE good for or
turbocharged diesel 2184 cc
3C-T (KD-CR40/50G) with or the
3C-TE (KH-CR40/50G) with . Transmission were either a five-speed manual with a floor shifter or a column-mounted four-speed automatic. In January 1998, there were minor improvements, including a
navigation system that became optional for the Noah, and an increase in performance of diesel engines. In December 1998, the Noah passenger models were facelifted with reshaped headlamps, new grilles and front
bumpers, plus clear turn signal lamps for the tail-lamps and revised wheel trims. Vans were facelifted in June 1999 with new grilles and clear turn signal new tail-lamps. In November 2001, production of the LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah models ended in favor of the new
Toyota Noah/
Voxy. Diesel engines were discontinued in August 2004 as they did not comply with emissions standards. Vans were again facelifted in July 2005, with
fender mirrors added in conjunction with the existing door-mounted
wing mirrors. This series was manufactured at the Honsha plant
Toyota, Aichi until December 2001, before switching to a Toyota Auto Body plant in January 2002 until end of manufacture in July 2007. ;Export Toyota Australia offered the KR42R series TownAce commercial vans from January 1997 to 2003, with a 1999 facelift. TownAces featured the
7K engine with and and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Eight-seater passenger vans were released in Australia as the single-grade Spacia in January 1998. Anti-lock brakes and second-row air-conditioning were optional. Facelifted models arrived in January 1999 and the Value Pack of 2000 and 2001 added dual air-conditioning, a CD player, and
parking sensors. The model line was discontinued during August 2002. ;Daihatsu Delta Van/Wagon This generation was also sold as the
Daihatsu Delta Van/Wagon between October 1996 and November 2001. The grille treatments were as per the TownAce (van) and TownAce Noah (wagon) styles. == S-series ==